First Shotgun Mossberg 500 What do I need to know?

[QuackXP]

So I'm finally getting a shotgun, a Mossberg 500 Field and Security Combo.

I got it as a secondary home defense firearm behind my M&P 40 and Colt 6920, to try and not suck at trap shooting, and ammo crisis/SHTF scenarios.

12ga seems to be readily available and at a good price through the last panic and it's hard to argue with the versatility of a shotgun, especially this one with both a security and field barrel. If I added a rifled barrel I could pretty much hunt any game in the county if I so desired as i understand it.

But I'm very much a pistol and rifle guy. So what are the best beginner information I should know entering the world of shotguns.

[B-mac]

Hold it from the end that don't have a hole

[Gunowner99]

That's about all I know about them as well but hope to hear some useful information here.

[beefcakeb0]

Put shells in the mag tube below the barrel
Hold firmly with both hands and assume a proper stance
aim
ensure backstop and intent to destroy
pump (the trick here is to have pulled the trigger to unlock the pump or push the lever on the left of the trigger to unlock it, one of these has to happen to pull the pump)
Pull the trigger.

It will likely come with a dowel in the mag restricting capacity to fowl legality. This is easy remove if legal for you not intending to hunt. Easy to replace when you do need to. Just make sure the shotgun has no ammunition, half pump, unscrew the mag cap, pull the barrel out by positioning the pump where it will release. And point the mag tube down and shake the dowel out. Reassemble and it should hold 4 or 5 70mm-76mm shells in the mag...

Hope this helps some. Go to the range with different shot and test the pattern.

Ps. you should have waited on black Friday!

[SwampFoxZ71]

Use whatever load you feel appropriate for the first time out with the shorty. Proceed to fire all rounds as quickly as you can into target intended to be destroyed.

Allow yourself 5 minutes afterwards for the smile to wear off. Recommend a cigarette to complete the experience.

Oh, and when firing 00 buck from the shorty, hold on very, very tightly. When firing anything other than target loads from a full stock, ensure the butt is firm against your shoulder to avoid any dislocations.

You'll wonder why you avoided shotguns all these years. Congrats. Enjoy. Carry on.

[Grizz2720]

"Oh, and when firing 00 buck from the shorty, hold on very, very tightly. When firing anything other than target loads from a full stock, ensure the butt is firm against your shoulder to avoid any dislocations."

If dislocations do not happen bruising will. Best colors will show up 24 to 48 hrs latter. Yellows and blues.
I do not recommend slugs as the first rounds out of the gun.

[Philiberty]

Great choice for versatility. My advice would be to make the shotgun your primary home defense over your pistols. Also, look for some low recoil buckshot. A little less powerful but at close range it will still destroy anything you're shooting at, and not as hard on the shoulder.

[QuackXP]

I do not recommend slugs as the first rounds out of the gun.

Is this to prevent excessive wear on the new shotgun or the new shooter?

I picked up some #8 target Loads, some 00 buck and some rifled slugs.

[bluetrane2028]

Practice first with the target, then the buck, then the slug. That is the order of recoil. Low recoil rounds are great if you are recoil sensitive, but full power is just that, full power.

I have a couple 500s, they are fun and reliable. Enjoy it!

[Emptymag]

Is this to prevent excessive wear on the new shotgun or the new shooter?

I picked up some #8 target Loads, some 00 buck and some rifled slugs.

Meh. Just shoot 'em.

It'll put hair on your chest.